Malaysia hopes for sustained PH-MILF talks amid decommissioning halt
Philippine News Agency
By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
August 19, 2025, 9:34 pm
MANILA -- Malaysia is hoping for sustained coordination between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) following the latter's decision to suspend the decommissioning of the final batch of its combatants.
"I hope all parties will continue to work together," Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino said in a chance interview in Taguig City on Tuesday, when asked to comment on the latest development in the Bangsamoro peace process.
"This is something that the parties will have to resolve on themselves — we want all parties to come together, that's the most important part," he added.
In a memorandum order dated Aug. 16, MILF Chairman Alhadj Murad Ebrahim directed all commanders and members not to participate in any decommissioning or normalization activities of the government "without prior written approval" from MILF.
The directive follows a July 19 resolution of the MILF Central Committee that temporarily suspends the implementation of the 4th and final phase of the decommissioning process.
Under the roadmap of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the MILF shall undergo a graduated and gradual decommissioning in four phases by percentage — ceremonial in Phase 1; 30 percent in Phase 2; 35 percent in Phase 3; and the remaining MILF forces in Phase 4.
Malaysia played a key role in the peace negotiations between the government and the MILF by serving as a third-party facilitator, providing a conducive environment and venue for discussions, and documenting commitments and agreements. (PNA)
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